CVAG Community Gallery
LII MOO DI NUTR PARAANTII-INAAN KAYAASH OOSHCHI | THE WORDS OF OUR ANCESTORS
MIKI’SIW Métis Association Comox Valley:
The vision for this exhibition is to celebrate Métis culture and support Métis language revitalization in the Comox Valley region.
“In this exhibition, language, cultural knowledge, objects and personal stories came together by anchoring the learning experience in our cultural tradition of sitting together, listening to our Elders and knowledge keepers — the historical heart of Métis community life where language is spoken, remembered, and passed down.
Cultural objects and material heritage serve as tangible anchors for Michif language revitalization programs by linking vocabulary, storytelling, and identity. Language programs use traditional items — such as the Métis sash, beadwork, drums, and moccasins to teach descriptive words, verbs and nouns. Handling cultural items while speaking or singing in Michif helps learners connect historical practices with ancestral voices. Teaching the names of ceremonial objects or daily tools ensures that language learners absorb the worldview and values embedded in Métis heritage rather than just vocabulary.
Taking photos with our Elders, community members and our youth creates powerful visual context for words, phrases, and traditional teachings. Collaborating with Elders and knowledge keepers to label images or create photos bridges the gap between fluent speakers and younger learners. Exhibiting or publishing photography alongside Michif captions transforms art galleries into accessible language-learning environment.”
– MIKI’SIW Métis Association Comox Valley
The 2026 Michif Language Revitalization Project includes:
- An arts-based installation at the Comox Valley Art Gallery
- weekly gatherings of Elder, Knowledge Keepers, and Michif southern dialect fluent speakers with project participants to share stories, culture, and language-building skills
- Community engagement events
On Wednesday, September 30, the installation opens for public viewing during the Comox Valley Spirit Walk in solidarity with the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day).
Organizers are looking for volunteers to assist with the walk — click here to sign up.
“Like many other Indigenous languages in Canada, the Michif languages are under critical threat. Colonization has eroded the natural course of intergenerational transmission of Michif languages, and today there are very few first language speakers living in British Columbia. . . . Michif language revitalization is about much more than just language, as language is inherently intertwined with culture, identity, family, and wellness.”
– NAan Michif Piikishkwaytaak (Let’s Speak in Michif) MNBC’s 10-Year Michif Language Revitalization Plan
Further Reading:
